The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has ruled out contesting the 2027 governorship election in Zamfara State, declaring his full support for the re-election of Governor Dauda Lawal.
Gatekeepers News reports thst Matawalle made the announcement in Gusau during the official reception of Lawal into the All Progressives Congress (APC), following the governor’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The former Governor, who lost to Lawal in the 2023 election, said he had shelved any ambition to return to office and would instead work for the governor’s second-term bid. He described Lawal as his preferred and sole candidate for the 2027 race.
“I will give my best to support Governor Dauda Lawal, Insha Allah. I believe Zamfara will be better now as we come together with a shared commitment to work for the collective good,” Matawalle said.
“For the first time, all former Governors of Zamfara State, alongside the incumbent governor, are united under one political platform.”
He added that the growing unity among political leaders in the state—especially with both former and current governors now aligned under the APC—would strengthen governance and improve development outcomes in Zamfara.
Lawal’s defection to APC earlier in March was linked to internal crises within the PDP and ongoing legal disputes affecting the party.
At the event, Vice-President Kashim Shettima and other APC leaders pledged support for Lawal’s administration, while also assuring residents of intensified efforts by the federal government to tackle insecurity in the state.
Matawalle also urged stakeholders and residents to rally behind Lawal, expressing confidence that the APC would secure strong electoral support in Zamfara in the 2027 general elections.
